Competition Rules

Competition Categories

String Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass (Solo);

String Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass (Solo);

  1. Participants are required to provide their own piano accompaniment. Participants without piano accompaniment will not be included in the scoring;
  2. It is advisable to choose a varied repertoire featuring “fast” and “slow” movements.
    Or: a complete sonata movement / a slow movement piece;
    The competition repertoire must include at least one piece with piano accompaniment.
  3. It is permitted to shorten the piano accompaniment of the intro, interludes, and the final section.
  4. The program must include the following:
     – One piece from the Baroque period;
     – One piece from the Classical period;

Age Groups

Requirements / Program

Performance Time

Group A

12 years and younger,

Born 2014 or later

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

6 – 8 minutes

Group B:

13-15 years old,

Born 2011 – 2013

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

8 – 10 minutes

Group C:

16-18 years old,

Born 2008 – 2010

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

10 – 12 minutes

Group D:

19-27 years old,

Born 1999 – 2007

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

12 – 15 minutes

Professional Group

27 years and younger

Born 1999 or later

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

20 – 25 minutes
Wind Instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Tenor Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Saxophone (Solo);

Wind Instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Tenor Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Saxophone (Solo);

  1. Participants are required to provide their own piano accompaniment. Participants without piano accompaniment will not be included in the scoring;
  2. It is advisable to choose a varied repertoire featuring “fast” and “slow” movements.
    Or: a spirited movement / a slow movement piece;
  3. The competition repertoire must include at least one piece with piano accompaniment.
  4. It is permitted to shorten the piano accompaniment of the intro, interludes, and the final section.
  5. The repertoire can include: variations / a complete movement of a concerto / a complete étude;

Age Groups

Requirements / Program

Performance Time

Group A

12 years and younger,

Born 2014 or later

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

4 – 6 minutes

Group B:

13-15 years old,

Born 2011 – 2013

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

6 – 8 minutes

Group C:

16-18 years old,

Born 2008 – 2010

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

8 – 10 minutes

Group D:

19-27 years old,

Born 1999 – 2007

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

10 – 12 minutes

Professional Group

27 years and younger

Born 1999 or later

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

15 – 20 minutes
Piano;

Piano;

  1. It is advisable to choose a varied repertoire featuring “fast” and “slow” movements.
    Or: a complete sonata movement / a slow movement piece;
  2. It is permitted to shorten the intro, interludes, and the final section if applicable.
  3. The program must include the following:
    – One piece from the Baroque period;
    – One piece from the Classical period;

Age Groups

Requirements / Program

Performance Time

Group A

12 years and younger,

Born 2014 or later

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

6 – 8 minutes

Group B:

13-15 years old,

Born 2011 – 2013

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

8 – 10 minutes

Group C:

16-18 years old,

Born 2008 – 2010

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

10 – 12 minutes

Group D:

19-27 years old,

Born 1999 – 2007

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

12 – 15 minutes

Professional Group

27 years and younger

Born 1999 or later

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

20 – 25 minutes
Percussion Instruments: Snare Drum, Timpani, Percussion, Marimba (Solo);

Percussion Instruments: Snare Drum, Timpani, Percussion, Marimba (Solo);

Participants are not required to bring their own percussion instruments; the organizer will provide them;

It is recommended to contact the organizer early during registration to clarify any electronic equipment needed for accompaniment;

Age Groups

Requirements / Program

Performance Time

Group A

12 years and younger,

Born 2014 or later

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

4 – 6 minutes

Group B:

13-15 years old,

Born 2011 – 2013

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

6 – 8 minutes

Group C:

16-18 years old,

Born 2008 – 2010

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

8 – 10 minutes

Group D:

19-27 years old,

Born 1999 – 2007

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

10 – 12 minutes

Professional Group

27 years and younger

Born 1999 or later

At least two entries

(complete works/movements/pieces)

15 – 20 minutes

Evaluation:

  • Scoring is based on the contestants’ actual performance on stage. Evaluation criteria are based on: performance integrity, intonation, timbre, technical skill, musical interpretation, musical processing, and coordination with accompaniment;
  • Performances are evaluated using a point system. Judging occurs at each competition level according to professional categories and participating age groups;
  • The results of all competition levels in China will be announced on the official website of the German Competition Committee;
  • Participants will receive certificates featuring handwritten signatures from international jurors.

Prize Settings:

First Prize:  95 points and above (including 95 points)

Second Prize:  90 points – 94.9 points (including 90 points)

Third Prize: 85 points – 89.9 points (including 85 points)

All participants will receive official confirmation of their participation and score via a certificate from the international jury.

Note: The jury’s decision is final and cannot be appealed. Registering for this event implies your agreement to these terms and conditions.

 

Amateur Group:

  • First Prize:
    1 winner per discipline and group, with a certificate signed by international professional jurors.
  • Second Prize:
    2 winners per discipline and group, with a certificate signed by international professional jurors.

  • Third Prize:
    3 winners per discipline and group, with a certificate signed by international professional jurors.

  • Excellence Award:
    An undetermined number of winners, with a certificate signed by international professional jurors.

Professional Group:

  • First Place (one winner):
    – A certificate signed by international professional jurors.
    – Invitation to the International Music Academy Ludwigslust 2026 Masterclass.
    – Full Scholarship for the masterclass worth 500 Euro.
    – Masterclass Auditor Pass. (For specific scholarship distribution, see “Scholarship Distribution” below).

 

  •  Second Place (one winner):
    – A certificate signed by international professional jurors.
    – Invitation to the International Music Academy Ludwigslust 2026 Masterclass.
    – Partial Scholarship for the masterclass worth 300 Euro.
    – Masterclass Auditor Pass. (For specific scholarship distribution, see “Scholarship Distribution” below).

 

  •  Third Place (one winner):
    – A certificate signed by international professional jurors.
    – Invitation to the International Music Academy Ludwigslust 2026 Masterclass.
    – Partial Scholarship for the masterclass worth 150 Euro.
    – Masterclass Auditor Pass. (For specific scholarship distribution, see “Scholarship Distribution” below).

 

  •  Excellence Award (multiple winners):
    – A certificate signed by international professional jurors.

Award and Scholarship Distribution:

Scholarship Rules for the Professional Group:

  1. Only winners of the top three places in the Professional Group are eligible for a scholarship.
  2. The scholarship can only be used for participation in the International Music Academy Ludwigslust 2026 Masterclass.
    – Failure to participate in the masterclass constitutes a waiver of the scholarship.
  3. Final interpretation of the scholarship program belongs to the International Music Academy Ludwigslust Masterclass.

 

Scholarship Rules for the Amateur Group:

  • Participants in the Amateur Group wishing to apply for a scholarship must submit an application to the organizing committee and await a decision.
  • Final interpretation of the scholarship program belongs to the International Masterclass Ludwigslust.